The I-9 Form serves two purposes. The Department of Homeland
Security (DHS) uses the I-9 form to monitor the illegal hiring of foreign
workers who don't have work authorization in the U.S. and to monitor illegal
employer discrimination against foreign workers who have work authorization in
the U.S. This dual use of the I-9 Form creates a very narrow path that
employers must walk when hiring a new employee and when completing the I-9
Form.

It is important for all employers to understand the
importance of I-9 compliance and accurately complete the I-9 Form. Mistakes in
filling out the I-9 Form can cause serious problems. If the employer does not
ask the employee to complete section 1 of the I-9 Form, the section that asks
the employee to declare his legal status in the United States, or if the
employer does not ask for proof of work authorization in the U.S., as outlined
in section 2 of the I-9 Form, the employer is not fulfilling her duty to verify
the work authorization of her employees. This can lead to government
investigations, audits, and fines. On the other hand, if the employer asks a
new employee for more documents than the I-9 Form requires, in verifying that
the employee has the right to work in the U.S., or if the employer does not
accept valid work authorization documents from a new employee, the Department
of Homeland Security can fine the employer for discriminating against foreign
nationals who have lawfully work authorization in the U.S. For this reason, it
is imperative that when your business fills out an I-9 Form for a new hire, you
and your employees know what information to ask for and know when the form has
been accurately and properly completed. Anything more or less can lead to fines
up to $5500.00 per mistake.